WASHINGTON -- Passing climate change legislation was one of President Obama's top priorities upon taking office. Now that such a bill has narrowly passed the House, Republicans in the Senate are gearing up for a fight.

The President believes the bill will help fight climate change. It could have a huge effect on the way in which the U.S. produces and uses energy.

The bill would limit overall greenhouse emissions and increase their price year-by-year. The goal is to push industry to find cleaner ways to make energy -- like wind and solar-and create so-called "green jobs."

"We cannot be afraid of the future. And we must not be prisoners of the past. Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true," Obama said.

But Republicans say that is exactly the case. They've compared the House bill to a national energy tax that would drive manufacturers and jobs overseas to countries with less-strict emissions standards.

Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., is on the Energy and Commerce Committee and expressed doubt about the climate change bill.

"This bill will turn out the lights on America," he said.

And it's not just Republicans who are expressing concerns -- 44 Democrats voted against the bill, which passed by just seven votes in the House on Friday.

Now it is on to the Senate, where the bill promises to face a fierce fight from Republicans. The Obama administration says the law would cost each American household between $80 and $175 a year.

Erick Stakelbeck

CBN News Correspondent

Erick Stakelbeck is a sought after authority on terrorism and national security issues with extensive experience in television, radio, and print media. Stakelbeck is a correspondent and terrorism analyst for CBN News. Follow Erick on Twitter @Staks33.